Key Highlights:
- Gemini comes to Google Maps for hands-free, multi-step voice queries for finding stops, checking EV chargers, and much more
- Directions are now use easy-to-spot with real-world landmarks (e.g., “turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant”) instead of relying solely on distance.
- The app now provides alerts for heavy traffic even when you’re not navigating.
- A new “Lens built with Gemini” feature allows you to ask questions about places by pointing your camera at them.
At this point, most of us knows that Google wants Gemini everywhere, and now, it’s coming to Google Maps. From the last few months, Gemini has been quietly making its way across every product possible. Now, with the latest update, Google says it wants to make Maps a “hands-free, conversational driving experience.” That too, with the help of Gemini.
Hands-free conversational experience in Google Maps powered by Gemini
Gemini in Google Maps will make the manual process while navigating a seamless experience, where it helps you plan, explore, and react in real time. The new update adds Gemini directly into Google Maps’ driving experience. Meaning, you can now ask it to find stops along their route, such as EV charging stations, restaurants, or gas stations, without tapping a single button. For Android users, sharing your ETA with friends or family also gets simpler; you just have to say it out loud, and Gemini will do its magic.
Besides helping with navigation, Gemini can now handle multi-step tasks. For example, you can ask the AI assistant to search for a good restaurant along the way, ask it for parking availability nearby, and ask it to route Google Maps towards that restaurant. With your permission, Gemini can also add tasks to your calendar. To do that, Gemini also syncs your Google Calendar.
Google says the idea is to make driving safer and smoother by keeping your eyes on the road while Gemini does the thinking. The hands-free experience for Google Maps users starts rolling out over the coming weeks on Android and iOS, everywhere Gemini is available.
Also Read – Gemini in Classrooms: How Google AI Shapes Learning in 2025
Real-world landmarks now guide your turns
Gone are the days when you used to ask for “turn right in 500 feet” instructions. Thanks to Google and Gemini, Maps can now use landmarks, like restaurants, gas stations, and famous buildings, to help you navigate easily. Rather than hearing what we mentioned above, you’ll hear instructions like, “Turn right after the Thai Siam Restaurant.” Interestingly, Google Maps will also highlight the landmark as you approach it.
Behind the scenes, Gemini analyzes Google’s database of over 250 million places and cross-references that data with Street View images to surface the most recognizable spots. This new landmark-based navigation is now rolling out across the U.S. on both Android and iOS.
Nobody likes unexpected gridlock, and Gemini is here to prevent it. A new feature, that Google calls “Proactive Traffic Alerts” now notifies you of road closures or congestion ahead. That too, when you’re not actively navigating. Google notes that this feature launches first for Android users in the U.S., with a wider rollout planned later.
You can now see what’s around you with “Lens built on Gemini”
Dubbed “Lens built with Gemini,” the feature allows you to point your camera at nearby restaurants, cafes, or landmarks to instantly learn more about them. Once you see pins appear on-screen, you can ask questions like, “What’s this place known for?” or “What’s the vibe inside?”
Gemini then pulls insights from Google’s vast knowledge of places to give quick, helpful answers. In short, this feature is great for those who want to know about the places they pass by along their route. Moreover, Google will roll out this feature later this month for iOS and Android users in the U.S.
